Descrizione
This car is to be auctioned at 'Beaulieu, National Motor Museum'
Single family ownership since the 1980s Largely original condition Regularly maintained Regular London to Brighton Veteran Car Run entrant since 2001 Ready for the next London-to-Brighton Run
The names of De Dion and Bouton are inextricably linked with the pioneer years of the motor car, initially in company with Trpardoux in the building of light steam carriages, the first of which appeared in 1883. In the early 1890s De Dion and Bouton turned their attention to the internal combustion engine, much to the annoyance of Trpardoux who quit in 1894, leaving his erstwhile partners to develop what was, in effect, the first high-speed internal combustion engine.
Engineer Georges Bouton's power units developed significantly greater output than their contemporaries from Daimler and Benz, yet matched them for reliability. Small wonder then that De Dion Bouton engines were adopted by many other manufacturers of tricycles, quadricycles, and light cars, both in Europe and the United States, influenced no doubt by the success of the flying tricycles in such events as the Paris-Bordeaux and other endurance races. Early 137cc engines ran at speeds of up to 1, 500rpm, while the 250cc engine of 1896 developed approximately 1 horsepower and made the contemporary Benz engines seem positively antiquated.
Early De Dions were rear-engined and of the vis--vis type
where the passengers sat facing the driver
but from 1902 onwards the firm began to adopt what would become accepted as the conventional layout for a motor car. By this time, De Dion's fast-revving, single-cylinder engines were offered in 4hp, 6hp, and 8hp variants. All featured mechanical inlet and atmospheric exhaust valves, and were noted for their reliability, which is borne out by the number surviving today.
This single-cylinder 6hp De Dion Bouton two-seater has been in the same family ownership since the late 1980s. It has swept doors, which are a rare sight on a De Dion. Aesthetically, the car has been intentionally left in very much original condition. Mechanically we are told, it has been regularly maintained, is in working order and ready for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on which it has been a regular entrant since 2001.
Works carried out over the years include: a gearbox overhaul; new rear brakes; new trembler coil and ignition system overhaul; petrol tank and fuel system reconditioned; new tyres; and new front wings.
AUCTION TIMES
Friday, 1st September, starting at 11:00 CEST
Please contact Bonhams directly to receive a condition report with the lot number/ s of interest by clicking 'Message the seller'
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please contact our Bids Department to register by clicking 'Message the seller'
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received in full. Collections must be arranged with Bonhams staff. All Buyers should contact Richard Stafford to give instruction, or to seek further information.
Indigo Blue European Limited - details above using the button below +44 (0) the details below
Motor Cars Removal and Storage of Vehicles Cars cannot be removed on Saturday 2 or Sunday 3 September. Cars may be removed on Monday 4 September up until midday once full payment has been received / entry fees having been settled and by liaising with the Motor Car Department directly in good time. If you are unable to collect your vehicle by the given time, Lots shall be removed by Indigo Blue to storage at the Buyer’s expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer’s risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of Sale. Cars under customs cannot be collected from the venue and can only be released once customs is cleared.
Transport and Shipping A representative of Indigo Blue, will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
AUCTION ADDRESS
National Motor Museum,
Beaulieu,
John Montagu Building,
Beaulieu,
Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN,
United Kingdom
